Ochoco National Forest lifts large area closure

PRINEVILLE, Ore. - The Ochoco National Forest announced Wednesday it has rescinded the order that closed a large section of the forest surrounding Big Summit Prairie to the public due to nearby wildfires.

All Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds and other facilities on the forest within the closure area have reopened to public use.

Both Ochoco Divide campground and Wildwood campground were within the Bailey Butte fire, but both campgrounds were successfully defended and are now reopened.

The previous closure was put in place to provide for public and firefighter safety during active suppression efforts on multiple wildfires.

While firefighters continue to manage fires within the forest, all fires are contained and fire behavior has subsided to the point that an area closure is no longer necessary.

The Ochoco National Forest urges the public to use caution when travelling near recently burned areas because dead or weakened trees have the potential to fall down.

Motorists can also expect to see firefighters and fire vehicles travelling forest roads, so please drive with caution.

Campfire restrictions and an Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 "partial shutdown" remain in effect on the Ochoco National Forest, along with the Crooked River National Grassland, the Deschutes National Forest and the Prineville BLM.